Almaz-Antei, Russia's main producer of air-defence rockets, may join the construction of Bulgaria's second nuclear power plant at Belene after signing an accord with Atomstroyexport.

Russia's Atomstroyexport was picked by Bulgaria to build two 1000 MW nuclear reactors at Belene on the Danube coast, with the total cost of the project estimated at close to EUR 2 B.

The agreement between the two Russian companies, inked on August 29, provides for cooperation on the energy market in constructing generating facilities, including nuclear power plants, according to a statement of Atomstroyexport.

Under the agreement the two Russian companies "will join their strong sides in implementing investment projects in the energy field in order to secure the development of generating facilities for successful companies in the military-industrial complex", the statement says.

Atomstroyexport said it is interested in using Almaz-Antei, one of the world's biggest military concerns, in its nuclear power plants projects in Russia and abroad.

Meanwhile the Bulgarian News Agency announced that a total of 300 workers and experts are preparing what will turn into Belene nuke site.

The site has been visited by representatives of the companies shortlisted in the tender to pick a strategic investor for 49% in Belene nuclear power plant.

A month ago Bulgaria's power grid operator NEK shortlisted Czech CEZ, German E.ON and RWE, Belgian Electrabel, Electricite de France and Italy's Enel.

Atomstroyexport has promised to put into operations the first unit in six years after the start of construction works. The second unit launch is scheduled for a year later.

The Belene plant will use two third-generation water-cooled VVER-1000 reactors.

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